Swivel loop vehicle launcher

ABSTRACT

A toy-vehicle launcher is disclosed that includes a track member having a loop track section, a launching mechanism, and a base pivotably coupled to and laterally extending from a bottom portion of the loop track section. The launching mechanism includes a vehicle receptacle coupled to a first end of the track member, a trigger coupled to the vehicle receptacle, and a shuttle biased to move in a first direction along the vehicle receptacle from a loading position to a launching position. The trigger actuates to release the shuttle from the loading position. In addition, the track member and launching mechanism can be pivoted about the base by application of a lateral force on the trigger.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a toy-vehicle launcher system and, more particularly, to a toy-vehicle launcher that includes a grip pivotally coupled to a bottom portion of a loop track section.

BACKGROUND

Toy-vehicle launchers have long been a source of entertainment for children of all ages. Children enjoy a variety of track configurations and continually seek new toy-vehicle launcher features to enhance the play experience. The variation in themes, features, and arrangements sparks the imagination of a child and provides continued engagement that adds to the play value.

While various devices have previously been provided to launch toy vehicles onto a track or at a target structure, there remains opportunity to further enhance the play experience by providing new and unique toy-vehicle launching systems. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a toy-vehicle launcher that further enhances the excitement and amusement offered to children as they engage in such play.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is embodied in a toy-vehicle launcher that includes a track member having a track section, a launching mechanism, and a base pivotably coupled to and laterally extending from a bottom portion of the track section. The launching mechanism includes a vehicle receptacle coupled to a first end of the track member, a trigger coupled to the vehicle receptacle, and a shuttle biased to move in a first direction along the vehicle receptacle from a loading position to a launching position. The trigger actuates to release the shuttle from the loading position. In addition, the track member and launching mechanism can be pivoted about the base by application of a lateral force on the trigger.

In more detailed features of the invention, the base can comprise a grip. In one embodiment, the grip can have a bottom end that tapers to a top edge. In another embodiment, the top edge of the grip can extend laterally a shorter distance than the bottom end of the grip. In a further embodiment, the grip can comprise at least two faces. In an additional embodiment, the at least two faces can comprise a plurality of ridges. In an added embodiment, the grip can extend vertically from a laterally extending portion of the base. In yet another embodiment, a pivot can extend downwardly from the bottom portion of the track section, and the base can include an aperture to which a lower portion of the pivot is coupled.

In other more detailed features of the invention, the launching mechanism can further include a biasing member having a first end coupled to the vehicle receptacle and a second end coupled to the shuttle. In one embodiment, the biasing member can be an elastic band.

In another more detailed feature of this invention, the launching mechanism can further include a first engagement element coupled to the vehicle receptacle. In one embodiment, the shuttle can include a second engagement element configured to engage the first engagement element so as to retain the shuttle in the loading position against a force of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the first engagement element can be contoured with one or more ridges. In a further embodiment, the second engagement element can include a flange. In an additional embodiment, actuating the trigger can release the first engagement element from the second engagement element so as to allow the force of the biasing member to move the shuttle in the first direction along the vehicle receptacle from the loading position to the launching position.

In another more detailed feature of this invention, the track section comprises a loop track section.

The present invention is also embodied in a toy-vehicle launcher that includes a track member having a track section, a launching mechanism, and a base pivotably coupled to and laterally extending from a bottom portion of the track section. The launching mechanism includes a vehicle receptacle coupled to a first end of the track member, a trigger coupled to the vehicle receptacle, and a shuttle biased to move in a first direction along the vehicle receptacle from a loading position to a launching position. The trigger actuates to release the shuttle from the loading position. In addition, the track member and launching mechanism can be pivoted about the base by application of a lateral force on the launching mechanism.

Other features and advantages of the invention should become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of toy-vehicle launcher system, toy vehicle, and target structure, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a toy-vehicle launcher system, with a shuttle in a launching position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a toy-vehicle launcher system, with a shuttle in a loading position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a toy-vehicle launcher system, with a shuttle in a loading position and a toy vehicle in a launching mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of a toy-vehicle launcher system that has been pivoted, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2E is a perspective view of a pivoted toy-vehicle launcher system launching a toy vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of a grip on a toy-vehicle launcher system, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of a toy-vehicle launcher system, with a shuttle in a launching position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of a toy-vehicle launcher system, with a shuttle in a loading position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a perspective detail view of a launching mechanism on a toy-vehicle launcher system, with a shuttle in a launching position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a perspective detail view of a launching mechanism on a toy-vehicle launcher system, with a shuttle in a loading position, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to FIG. 1 of the illustrative drawings, there is shown a toy-vehicle launcher 100, target structure 200, and toy vehicle 300, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. With reference to FIGS. 2A-2E, in one embodiment, the toy-vehicle launcher 100 can include a track member 110 having a loop track section 111, a launching mechanism 120, and a base 130 pivotably coupled to and laterally extending from a bottom portion 112 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the loop track section 111. In another embodiment, the launching mechanism 120 can include a vehicle receptacle 121 coupled to a first end 114 of the track member 110, a trigger 125 coupled to the vehicle receptacle 121, and a shuttle 122 biased to move in a first direction along the vehicle receptacle 121 from a loading position (FIGS. 2B-2D) to a launching position (FIGS. 2A and 2E).

In one embodiment, the shuttle 122 can be movably coupled to the vehicle receptacle 121 so that it can move along the vehicle receptacle 121. In another embodiment, this can be accomplished, for example, by fasteners or brackets. In a further embodiment, the shuttle 122 can include two portions that are snapped or coupled together on opposite sides of the launching mechanism 120 to capture the vehicle receptacle 121. In an additional embodiment, the shuttle 122 can move along the vehicle receptacle 121 by, for example, sliding, grinding, or rolling.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C, in one embodiment, the shuttle 122 can be moved along the vehicle receptacle 121 to a loading position, and a toy vehicle 300 can be added to the vehicle receptacle 121 so that it contacts the shuttle 122. With particular reference to FIGS. 2C and 2D, in another embodiment, the track member 110 and launching mechanism 120 can be pivoted about the base 130 by application of a lateral force on the trigger 125. For example, in a further embodiment, a user can place a downward force on the base 130, which, as discussed in more detail below, may comprise a grip 131. With the downward force applied to the base 130, the user can then apply a lateral force on the trigger 125 to cause the track member 110 and launching mechanism 120 to pivot about the base (FIG. 2D). In this way, a user can quickly and easily aim the toy-vehicle launcher 100 at different portions of a target structure 200 (FIG. 1). With particular reference to FIG. 2E, in an additional embodiment, the trigger 125 can actuate to release the shuttle 122 from the loading position to a launching position and launch the toy vehicle 300 toward the desired target.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the base 130 can comprise a grip 131 that can be held to secure the base 130 in place as the track member 110 and launching mechanism 120 pivot about the base 130. The grip 131 can be sized and configured to provide a comfortable grip for a child's hand. For example, in another embodiment, the grip 131 can have a bottom end 132 that tapers to a top edge 136. In a further embodiment, the top edge 136 of the grip 131 can extend laterally a shorter distance than the bottom end 132 of the grip 131. In an additional embodiment, the grip 131 can comprise at least two faces 133. In an added embodiment, the at least two faces 133 can comprise a plurality of ridges 134. In yet another embodiment, the grip 131 can extend vertically from a laterally extending portion 137 of the base 130.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in one embodiment, a pivot 113 can extend downwardly from the bottom portion 112 of the loop track section 111, and the base 130 can include an aperture 135 to which a lower portion 115 of the pivot 113 is coupled. As should be well understood, in another embodiment, the base 120 or the bottom portion 112 of the loop track section 111 can include a stop (not shown) to limit rotation of the base 120 relative to the loop track section 111. In a further embodiment, the pivot 113 can be positioned under the loop track section 111 such that the distribution of the weight of both the track member 110 and the launching mechanism 120 on the base 120 can maintain the base 120 in a stationary position as a lateral force is applied to the trigger 125 and the track member 110 and launching mechanism 120 pivot about the base 120. In an additional embodiment, a user's hand on the grip 131 can further contribute to maintaining the base 120 in a stationary position as the lateral force is applied to the trigger 125 and the track member 110 and launching mechanism 120 pivot about the base 120.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in one embodiment, the launching mechanism 120 can further include a biasing member 140 having a first end 141 coupled to the vehicle receptacle 121 and a second end 142 coupled to the shuttle 122. In another embodiment, the biasing member 140 can be an elastic band. In a further embodiment, the biasing member 140 can be a spring, compressed air, or plunger. As discussed in more detail below, the biasing member 140 can impart a force on the shuttle 122 causing it to move in the first direction along the vehicle receptacle 121 from the loading position to the launching position.

With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in one embodiment, the launching mechanism 120 can further include a first engagement element 126 coupled to the vehicle receptacle 121. In another embodiment, the first engagement element 126 can be coupled to the vehicle receptacle 121 near an end of the launching mechanism 120 opposite the track member 110. In a further embodiment, the first engagement element 126 can be contoured with one or more protrusions 127 such as grooves, steps, or ridges.

In one embodiment, the shuttle 122 can include a second engagement element 123 configured to engage the first engagement element 126 so as to retain the shuttle 122 in the loading position against a force of the biasing member 140. In another embodiment, the second engagement element 123 can be designed to mate with the protrusions 127 such as by nesting. For example, in a further embodiment, the second engagement element 123 can include a flange 124 that couples with the protrusions 127 of the first engagement element 126. Additionally, in an additional embodiment, the second engagement element 123 can couple with the first engagement element 126 by a peg and notch configuration.

In one embodiment, actuating the trigger 125 can release the first engagement element 126 from the second engagement element 123 so as to allow the force of the biasing member 140 to move the shuttle 122 in the first direction along the vehicle receptacle 121 from the loading position to the launching position. In another embodiment, the first engagement element 126 can be flexibly coupled to the launching mechanism 120 and the trigger 125 can comprise a substantially vertical, elongated member coupled to the first engagement element 126. In a further embodiment, pushing the trigger 125 forward (toward the shuttle 122) can cause the first engagement element 126 to rotate relative to the launching mechanism 120 so that the first engagement element 126 moves below the vehicle receptacle 121 and the ridges 127 of the first engagement element 126 disengage from the flange 124 of the second engagement element 123. In alternative embodiments, the trigger 125 can be activated by depressing, lifting, or rotating the trigger 125.

With reference again to FIGS. 2A-2E, and with particular reference to FIG. 2E, after the trigger 125 is activated, in one embodiment, the first engagement element 126 can disengage from the second engagement element 123 and the force of the biasing member 140 can cause the shuttle 122 and toy vehicle 300 to move away from the first engagement element 126. In this way, the toy vehicle 300 can be propelled forward along the vehicle receptacle 121, onto a track member 110. If the toy-vehicle launcher 100 was oriented skillfully, the toy vehicle 300 will hit a desired portion of the target structure 200. The user can then reset the shuttle 122 to the loading position (FIG. 2B), load a toy vehicle 300 onto the vehicle receptacle 121 (FIG. 2C), apply a downward force on the grip 131 while applying a lateral force on the trigger 125 to pivot the toy-vehicle launcher 100 so that it is aimed at a new target, and actuate the trigger 125 to launch the toy vehicle 300 at the new target.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a toy-vehicle launcher that can be pivoted to provide an exciting and amusing method of aiming and launching a toy vehicle at different target structures or track segments.

Specific methods, devices, and materials are described, although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present embodiment. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art, using the proceeding description, can make and use the present invention to the fullest extent.

The invention has been described in detail with reference only to the presently preferred embodiments. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications can be made without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the following claims. 

1. A toy-vehicle launcher comprising: a track member having a track section, a first end, and a second end; a launching mechanism comprising: a vehicle receptacle coupled to the first end of the track member; a shuttle biased to move in a first direction along the vehicle receptacle from a loading position to a launching position; and a trigger coupled to the vehicle receptacle, wherein the trigger actuates to release the shuttle from the loading position; and a base pivotally coupled to and laterally extending from a bottom portion of the track section, the base positioned proximate to the first end of the track member; wherein the track member and launching mechanism can be pivoted about the base by application of a lateral force on the trigger.
 2. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a grip.
 3. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 2, wherein the grip has a bottom end that tapers to a top edge.
 4. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 3, wherein the top edge of the grip extends laterally a shorter distance than the bottom end of the grip.
 5. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 2, wherein the grip comprises at least two faces.
 6. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 5, wherein the at least two faces comprise a plurality of ridges.
 7. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 2, wherein the grip extends vertically from a laterally extending portion of the base.
 8. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 2, wherein: a pivot extends downwardly from the bottom portion of the track section; and the base comprises an aperture to which a lower portion of the pivot is coupled.
 9. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 2, wherein the launching mechanism further comprises a biasing member having: a first end coupled to the vehicle receptacle; and a second end coupled to the shuttle.
 10. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 9, wherein the biasing member is an elastic band.
 11. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 9, wherein the launching mechanism further comprises a first engagement element coupled to the vehicle receptacle.
 12. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 11, wherein the shuttle comprises a second engagement element configured to engage the first engagement element so as to retain the shuttle in the loading position against a force of the biasing member.
 13. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 12, wherein the first engagement element is contoured with one or more ridges.
 14. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 13, wherein the second engagement element comprises a flange.
 15. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 14, wherein actuating the trigger releases the first engagement element from the second engagement element so as to allow the force of the biasing member to move the shuttle in the first direction along the vehicle receptacle from the loading position to the launching position.
 16. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 1, wherein the track section comprises a loop track section.
 17. A toy-vehicle launcher comprising: a track member having a loop track section, a first end, and a second end; a launching mechanism comprising: a vehicle receptacle coupled to the first end of the track member; a shuttle biased to move in a first direction along the vehicle receptacle from a loading position to a launching position; and a trigger coupled to the vehicle receptacle, wherein the trigger actuates to release the shuttle from the loading position; and a base pivotally coupled to and laterally extending from at least two bottom portions of the loop track section; wherein the track member and launching mechanism can be pivoted about the base by application of a lateral force on the launching mechanism.
 18. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 17, wherein the base comprises a grip.
 19. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 18, wherein the grip extends vertically from a laterally extending portion of the base.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The toy-vehicle launcher of claim 17, wherein the loop track section comprises a pivot positioned between the at least two bottom portions of the loop track section, the pivot coupling with an aperture in the base. 